Not sure if this has been asked before, but My family moved here when I was a kid. The median home value here is around $382,700, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,593/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Brooklyn
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Elizabeth G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Emily K.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much competitive but now it's surprisingly good.
26 upvotes
Bennett S.
Bought a house here in 2021 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
20 upvotes
Zoe Cox
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Luke Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Jayden Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 35, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
14 upvotes
Eleanor Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Raleigh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
